With crystal clear waters, warm sand, incredible cliff top views and beautiful weather during the summer and autumn months, Sardinia and Sicily are two of our favourite Italian islands to visit and the two largest Italian islands in the Mediterranean sea. Located within the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean Seas, there is plentiful fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables and delicious dining options, it is a foodies paradise. 

I have hand-picked a few special hotels and villas in Sardinia and Sicily that we love at Flagstone Travel, to share with you. These properties really make the most of these spectacular islands. Firstly I’m heading to Sardinia, famous for clear pristine waters, its fabulous coastline and its award-winning beaches. The island is beautiful and relatively quiet with 25% of the island a national park and wildlife reserve. It is the ideal place for a peaceful getaway. Sardinia is full of history with ancient historical sites dotted all over the island, from the medieval city walls of Alghero to the museums and piazzas of Olbia. There are also several archeological sites that can be viewed as well as tombs and churches. Sardinia is much more than just a beach destination.

The first property that I have chosen is the 5* Colonna Resort. Built in a typically Sardinian style with white-washed buildings and terracotta tiles, the Colonna Resort is wonderfully located within easy reach of the airport and feels like a small village. There is a private beach, spacious gardens and grounds as well as fantastic restaurants and a number of swimming pools. The hotel is well suited to couples as well as families with childcare on hand if needed. There are daily shuttles to Porto Cervo Marina for any guests who would like to go and explore.

Next we move to the island of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, just off the heel of Italy. Famous for its Greek temples in the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, and the Palermo Opera House, Sicily is also surrounded by natural beauty. See Mount Etna or visit the neighbouring volcanic island of Stromboli for the day, the island is encompassed by turquoise waters and with many beautiful white-washed buildings.

Sicily is home to the five trident hotel Club Med Cefalù which was opened as a flagship European resort in 2018. It is a beautiful and spacious hotel which offers over 300 rooms on an all-inclusive basis. With a choice of excellent restaurants as well as bars, this hotel provides the perfect luxury experience. The La Riva Beach Restaurant is perfect for fresh barbecue food that is cooked in front of you, a light lunch on the beach, or an ice-cream stop mid-afternoon. The La Rocca Restaurant offers local Italian and International cuisine combining regional ingredients to make delicious meals. For a late breakfast or a snack during the day, Il Palazzo Gourmet Lounge serves antipasti and pastries alongside drinks and there is a small deli shop if you want to take any of the local produce home. There are also three bars to choose from, providing drinks from a relaxed sunset cocktail to a more lively after dinner nightcap.

The all-inclusive basis includes all food and drinks as well as a number of activities and watersports from kayaking and paddleboarding to sailing and snorkelling. The hotel offers an in-house concierge service where nothing is too much trouble and you can pre-book any excursions or spa treatments here. For those looking for a corporate break, there are a number of meeting rooms and team building activities on offer.

The final hotel chosen is the Verdura Resort & Spa, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Sicily. This is a slightly smaller boutique hotel. This exquisite property has a world-class golf course and beautiful grounds, the hotel is surrounded by gardens and walkways filled with olive and lemon trees. This hotel offers delicious cuisine and is perfect for couples looking for a holiday as well as families looking to spend some time together. 

For those into their food, this hotel has a choice of fantastic restaurants as well cookery classes and wine tastings. Children can also enjoy a cookery class in their own kitchen with the complimentary children’s club from four to 12 years. With a range of activities and excursions on offer here, families can head out on a fishing trip or try their hand at one of the many watersports. For those wanting to relax there is an infinity pool, thalassotherapy pools and a spa.

If you are looking for some privacy it may be that a villa for sole use is preferential. There are a range of spectacular yet traditional and homely villas available throughout the year dotted all around the island of Sicily. 

The Villa Tufo, is a lovely eight person villa with a private swimming pool and gardens, located in Marsala, Sicily. This villa is modern and has a wonderful al fresco dining area, barbecue and large terrace with sun loungers. It is an excellent base for a holiday to Sicily and allows you to fully explore the island as well as relaxing in your own private home for the week.

Alternatively for a family of four the Villa Golden Sands is the perfect beachfront hideaway. Located on the south coast of Sicily this two bedroom villa is excellent for families. With direct beach access, spacious outdoor areas and a plunge pool it is ideal for really enjoying the beauty that Sicily has to offer.

If you are looking to explore one of these spectacular islands please do get in touch and a specialist can chat through the best options to suit your needs. We have a selection of hotels and villas in Sardinia and Sicily and we are happy to tailor your holiday to your wishes.